Rail passengers will be given an unusual way to pass the time between train journeys at Birmingham New Street today.
Members of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire’s Folk ensemble performed as part of their welcome gig for the Music Open Day at Birmingham City University.
Among the instrumentalists are 15 horn players, four cellists, five percussionists and five electric guitarists.
Professor Julian Lloyd Webber, from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, said: “From Johann Strauss to Duke Ellington to Kylie Minogue, the railways have inspired musicians over the last 200 years and The Conservatoire Folk Ensemble will continue that tradition as they aim to raise the roof with their infectious energy and impressive musicality.”
Besides making for quite the spectacular welcome for prospective students arriving in the city by train, Prof Lloyd Webber also points to the larger message.
“The performances will provide a unique gateway to their wider visit and, for the thousands of other commuters, shoppers and residents who use the station daily, it showcases Birmingham as a culturally rich destination of international significance,” he added.